The family of the Hawaii woman who was missing since the start of last month are now exploring the shocking reason why.
Hannah Kobayashi, 30, arrived at Los Angeles International Airport from Maui on 8 November, and was reported missing after failing to board her connecting flight to New York.
On 24 November, the body of her father Ryan Kobayashi, 58, who travelled to LA to look for her, was found at the bottom of a car park at LAX airport. His death was ruled as a suicide.
In an update on Monday (2 December), the Los Angeles Police Department said Hannah crossed the US/Mexico border on 12 November.
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The force believe that 'Kobayashi expressed a desire to step away from modem connectivity' and that 'speculation about potential involvement in human trafficking or foul play' was false.
It was also confirmed that the police department would not be investigating the case while Kobayashi is in Mexico.
"However, if Kobayashi returns to the United States, law enforcement will be notified," they added.
"She is encouraged to contact law enforcement or the U.S. Embassy in Mexico so officials can confirm her well-being.
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"The missing person case will remain active in the Missing and Unidentified Persons System (MUPS) until her safety is confirmed by law enforcement."
In a new statement, the family said they are now exploring the possibility that Hannah may have been involved in a green card marriage scam.
On 8 November, the photographer was travelling on the same flight as her ex-boyfriend, who purchased the tickets before they broke up.
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Though it is now thought that the pair were supposed to board their connecting flight, with her legal husband and his partner also onboard, reports Los Angeles Magazine.
LA Mag reported that Hannah's mother found immigration documents and handed them over to police.
Family lawyer Sara Azari has since shared a statement, which reads: "We want to stress that the family has not publicly announced any information regarding an alleged marriage because we did not have the facts or the necessary documents to verify the legitimacy of this information.
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"The family has not confirmed the authenticity of the images or the accuracy of the information provided about a possible secret marriage.
"This is one of many leads we are actively investigating with the help of our attorney and investigative team.
"We would also like to confirm that we turned over the alleged information to law enforcement immediately upon receipt.
"Further, while we appreciate Larie’s efforts, she does not speak on behalf of our immediate family, which consists of Hannah’s mother, Brandi and her sister, Sydni.
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"We remain focused on verifying the details and leads we have received, and ask for your understanding and patience as we continue our investigation."
Topics: World News, News, US News
Anish Vij